If healthy, Texans can go far

Bob Leverone/Associated PressTexans fans were left wondering "what if" after star quarterback Matt Schaub went down with an injury last season.

If you’re a Houston Texans fan, you can only wonder what-if?

Down to a third-string, rookie quarterback in T.J. Yates, the Texans gave the Baltimore Ravens all they could handle in their AFC Divisional Playoff game, before falling, 20-13.

Quarterback Matt Schaub, who had proven himself among the league’s Top 10 a year earlier, missed most of the second half of the season. All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson was in and out of the lineup all season and defensive stud Mario Williams went out early in the season.

Still, Houston won its first division title and again who knows how far it might have gotten if healthy.

This year you might just find out.

Here’s a preview of what to expect from the AFC South this season.

TENNESSEE
Last Year: 9-7Head Coach: Mike MunchakOffensive Coordinator: Chris PalmerDefensive Coordinator: Jerry Gray What’s New: Veteran guard Steve Hutchinson, entering his 12th season, came over from Minnesota and pass-rushing defensive end Kamerion Wimbley arrived from Oakland. See You Later: The big loss is cornerback Cortland Finnegan, who left to join his old coach, Jeff Fisher, in St. Louis.If Things Go Right: Running back Chris Johnson returns to form as the best running back in the league, the team plays a strong ball-control offense and a stout stop-the-run defense and challenges Houston for the division title.If Things Go Wrong: Teams key on Johnson and force the Titans to win through the air with either getting older Matt Hasselbeck or not ready Jake Locker at quarterback. The lack of a pass rush also dooms the defense. Look Out: Tight end Jared Cook could have a huge year working the middle of the field for the Titans.Tell Me Why: With bigger needs on defense, the team took a WR (Kendell Wright) in the first round of the draft?

INDIANAPOLIS
Last Year: 2-14Head Coach: Chuck PaganoOffensive Coordinator: Bruce AriansDefensive Coordinator: Greg ManuskyWhat’s New: Of course the big addition came with the No. 1 pick in the draft and can’t-miss quarterback Andrew Luck. The starting right side of the line, in front of Luck, is former Eagles Winston Justice and Mike McGlynn. There’s also a new center in former Raider Samson Satele. See You Later: You may have heard Peyton Manning is now in Denver. The Colts also let 15 other veterans leave as free agents or released them as the rebuilding plan is in full force.
If Things Go Right: Luck doesn’t get killed and follows what the Colts hope is their answer to Aaron Rodgers taking over for Brett Favre. If Things Go Wrong: Without a lot of help, Luck loses confidence and struggles, or worse gets hurt. Look Out: With Justice and McGlynn in front of him, that’s what Luck might be hearing a lot of this year.Tell Me Why: With needs everywhere the team spent a second and a third-round pick on tight ends?

HOUSTON
Last Year: 10-6Head Coach: Gary KubiakOffensive Coordinator: Rick DennisonDefensive Coordinator: Wade PhillipsWhat’s New: The kicker and punter ­— Lou Groza Award winner Randy Bullock came in the fifth round of the draft out of Texas A&M and punter Donnie Jones came as a free agent from the Rams. See You Later: Since the Texans won without him last year, they did not feel compelled to pay Mario Williams a huge salary and allowed him to leave for Buffalo. They also traded middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans to the Eagles and lost right tackle Eric Winston to Kansas City. If Things Go Right: Matt Schaub comes back healthy and leads the Texans to where it may have gone last year. With running back Arian Foster behind him and Andre Johnson still as good as it gets on the outside, this could be Schaub and Houston’s year.If Things Go Wrong: Schaub struggles in his comeback and the defense misses Ryans’ leadership.
Look Out: Houston’s biggest need in the draft was a receiver, but with pass rusher Whitney Mercilus on the board, the Texans couldn’t resist. Watch Wade Phillips turn him into another DeMarcus Ware.Tell Me Why: Houston isn’t the best team in the AFC?

JACKSONVILLE
Last Year: 5-11Head Coach: Mike MularkeyOffensive Coordinator: Bob BratkowskiDefensive Coordinator: Mel TuckerWhat’s New: The owner, Shad Kahn, and the head coach, Mike Mularkey, are looking to bring back a franchise that hasn’t had a winning record since 2007. On the field, cornerback Aaron Ross left the Giants to come here. And veteran quarterback Chad Henne came from Miami to back up Blaine Gabbart. See You Later: Other than the firing of Jack Del Rio, a bunch of players who really didn’t matter left as well.If Things Go Right: Gabbart develops and forms a good relationship with No. 1 draft pick wide receiver Justin Balckmon, and there is hope for the future.If Things Go Wrong: Henne will be the quarterback before the bye week.Look Out: Defensive tackle Tyson Alualu, the 2011 first-round pick, is ready to have a breakout season.Tell Me Why: The team drafted a punter in the third round? Oh wait, I just looked at the offense.